This Wednesday, July 8th, Linda Thunstrom, Associate Professor in the University of Wyoming Economics Department, reports on the first cost-benefit analysis of social distancing as a primary response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our speaker will be introduced by Bob Meroney.
Most understand that this action saves lives by slowing down the rate of infection of COVID-19, but it comes at large costs. Dr. Thunstrom has researched costs and benefits to examine if extensive social distancing is worth it.
Wednesday July 1, 2020-21 President Del Benson outlined his background, priorities and thoughts for this coming year. He touched on the challenges of declining noon membership and the resultant reduction in income and charitable pledges to support our service mission. Del then outlined his priorities and a "U+2" Time, Talent and Treasure Challenge for every member:
Bring in two new members
Double contributions to Rotary funding needs
Help on two funding initiatives
Give time to two additional service projects
Organize new projects and outcomes
Attend two more meetings every quarter
Combine categories engaging U+2 and have twice the fun and accomplishments
He closed his remarks with preliminary plans for a "Good and Lucky Non-Event Fundraiser" this fall. Stay tuned for details...
Margaret Mizushima, a native of the San Luis Valley and local author, joined us, via ZOOM, for our meeting on July 1 to talk about her mystery books (the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries), and about the background and process of writing a successful mystery series.
RCFC is now using Zoom for all meetings, and recordings of the Wednesday noon meeting are available to members and guests. Here are the most recent program recording links.
President Rob Marschke and Treasurer Kathy Hawkins reported on RCFC's finances. A new bookkeeper, Dyane Rogelstad has been retained, and recruitment of a new Treasurer is ongoing. Three potential new members of the Finance Committee attended the June Finance Committee meeting. Operational finances remain strong, but Charities is 'running on fumes'. Kathy recommended, and the Board approved, delaying Charities Disbursements until the end of first quarter, when more will be known. Kathy has resigned as Treasurer and Bonnie Titley has resigned as Assistant Treasurer both effective July 1. Kathy and Bonnie are both thanked for their service to RCFC.
In the third of a series on RCFC's Charitable mission, Chair Eric Peterson (via Rob) reported on the Legacy Fund's recent activity and current status. The Legacy Fund was created to develop and provide a permanent source of supplemental support for RCFC's charitable and humanitarian mission in the Fort Collins area. At the end of December 2019 our Fund had a value of about $604,000. During the most recent annual giving, 69 members of our club donated $13,500.
In the second of a series, Chair Kathy Nicol updated RCFC on recent Community Grants, reviewed the past year's grants and made a plea for increased charitable contributions to RCFC's local Charities funding. Community Grants recently awarded a $2,000 Youth Program grant to Foundation Music School, to be used to purchase instruments for student's use at home until in-person classes resume. The instruments will then become school property to be used by all students.
Ron Stoops and Troy Tafoya reported a successful highway clean up last Saturday, with over 20 members and friends joining.
The board of Directors has approved providing face masks with a Rotary logo to all members. The project cost was underwritten by several board members.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
Jim Harper visited the Rotary Club of Boquete in Panama, a small club with 15-20 members attending. Jim observed the Rotary Club’s first $5,000.00 food delivery to 120 needy families in the Boquete community and surrounding areas. The project is sponsored by generous people in the Boquete area.
RCFC's intended move to the First Presbyterian Church and face-to-face meetings are on hold due to a campus shut down, until at least after an August 24 meeting of the church leadership.
President Rob reported that for 2020-21, overall quarterly dues will increase by $8.00 (to $83), due to reduced membership and associated income, and increased expenses and corrections to expense calculations. Our unrestricted cash reserves are in the 5–7 months of expenses range, and the quarterly reserve charge will be reduced from $11 to $2 per member per quarter. Meals and Facilities charges will be announced when in-person meetings are ready to resume.
Wednesday Noon member who wish to switch from “With Meals” to “Without Meals” need to submit (only once) a signed, written request form available from the Membership Committee or downloaded from our ClubRunner website.
Mara Johnson announced that the Rotary exchange program has been cancelled for the 2020-21 school year. RCFC outbound student Natalie may still be able to spend the 2021-22 school year in Germany.
Annette Geiselman announced that the Blood Bank is looking for anyone who has experienced and recovered from the Covid19 virus. Contact the Blood Center.
The RYLA Board has decided to postpone the 2020 RYLA, Young RYLA, and RYLA Plus conferences until 2021. Those 11th graders who applied to RYLA and graduated from PSD this year will be eligible to apply for RYLA 2021. However, this year's Seniors are no longer eligible to attend RYLA 2021.
Kathy Hawkins announced we now have a credit card charge device. Member charges and contributions can now be handled at our weekly meetings.
Sally Lee reported King Soopers rebate of $468.00 that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally.
Marty Bachman urged members to shop on Amazon Smile. Rebates would be credited to our club at the rate of 0.5%. Look for the Amazon logo on our website.
SPECIAL NOTE: Kathy Hawkins cautioned members not to pay dues AND charities with a single checks. For charities contributions to be tax-deductible, you must write a separate check.
Marty Bachman reminds all to report special occasions/events/illness that the Care and Recognition Committee should acknowledge. Call Marty, Susan Brand, Melanie Chamberlain, or JeanneFangman.